PM leaves sea of warmth behind

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Israel has been marked by a few high points, but what stole the show was his walk on the beach with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many in the establishment said they had never seen Netanyahu demonstrate such informality. The Israeli PM not only drove the vehicle for Modi for the photo-op, he also joined him as they hitched up their trousers and waded barefoot into the surf at Olga beach in northern Israel. The video was tweeted by Netanyahu's official Twitter handle, which showed Modi sharing a toast with him.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Mr Netanyahu laid wreaths at the Indian War Cemetery in Haifa, where 44 Indian soldiers died during the liberation of the city in World War I.

The two prime ministers also unveiled a plaque in the memory of Major Dalpat Singh, who led the successful cavalry charge that resulted in the liberation of Haifa.

"I am deeply honoured to stand here to salute the valiant soldiers, who laid down their lives for the liberation of Haifa during the first World War," the PM wrote in the visitor's book. He also wrote that next year, the centenary of the Battle of Haifa would present another opportunity to mark the enduring bond between India and Israel.

Subsequently, he met students, and addressed business leaders from India and Israel. As many as 12 strategic pacts envisaging investments worth US$4.3 billion were signed between Indian and Israeli companies at the first meeting of CEO forum on Thursday.